December 4, 2023
Remembering Mixtapes & Steering Clear of Commercialism
Remember when mixtapes were almighty? Confucius and Fresh definitely do! Hear their take on the route mixtape culture has taken, plus some strategies to avoid over commercializing the genre in 2024, how The Breaks succeeds in a primarily non-black space and more on the latest episode.
November 27, 2023
Diddy, the Grammys, and Andre’s New Groove
Between P. Diddy’s salacious allegations, rumors about next year’s Grammy Awards, and of course, Andre 3000’s boldly bizarre return, there’s a lot to cover this week on The Breaks! Hear all that on top of Confucius Reads the News and Hip-Hop Facts on the latest episode.
November 20, 2023
BONUS! ACL Fest with Blakchyl 2023
Fresh is out of town this week, but The Breaks still has new(ish) content! In this episode, Confucius and Fresh take the Bonus Tracks Stage during ACL Fest last month. The two interview Austin-born-and-raised artist Blakchyl and discuss what’s up and coming for the hip-hop artist. Enjoy the conversation and for anyone wanting more, visit […]
November 13, 2023
Talking Hip-Hop: Journalism vs. Gossip
Sure, rumors are intriguing. But why has hip-hop talk moved from music journalism to celebrity clickbait? And when it comes to club culture, forget your section! Bottle wars simply don’t rack up to club-wide celebrations. Hear all about it plus Hip-Hop Facts, Confucius Reads the News, and a particularly Unpopular Opinion that may upset Keke […]
November 5, 2023
Confucius and Fresh interview J.M., the founder of Austin’s Hubbledvision, and Chicago-based artist Blvck Svm about their musical collaboration and the Afrovision event at this year’s Afrotech. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News.
October 30, 2023
What Does Artist Cey Adams Have to Say?
Confucius and Fresh interview hip-hop art legend Cey Adams, former creative director for Def Jam who designed album covers for everyone from Run-DMC to Jay-Z. They talk about his early days in hip-hop, what it’s been like to watch the genre evolve and grow, and his new show “Combinations” at the West Chelsea Contemporary in Austin. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News
October 23, 2023
Coming off of ACL, the fellas discuss MJ (take your pick – Jackson OR Jordan) as the golden standard for success and why it may hold less water these days. Plus, Confucius and Fresh gush about the Hype Williams classic Belly. Hip-Hop Facts enlightens us on how Fabolous got his name and reflects on the […]
October 16, 2023
After Juicy J’s comments that there’s a 40% decrease in hip-hop, Fresh and Confucius talk about the truth behind hip-hop’s perceived drop in influence. Then they talk about whether it’s fair to judge Drake. Plus Hip-Hop Facts, Unpopular Opinion and Confucius Reads the News.
About
Confucius Jones
Confucius Jones is a lifelong Austin native who has generationally roots in the city. It’s with that upbringing that lead him to try to change the city he loves through music. DJing since his teens and now on radio at KUTX, Confucius strives to create a new industry for people of color through his many platforms.
Fresh
Aaron Knight, better known as Fresh, is an on-air host for KUTX 98.9 in Austin, TX, co-hosting Austin’s top Hip Hop and R&B radio show and podcast, The Breaks. Fresh has run his own top-rated music blog with Fresh Prince of the ATX (where his moniker derives from), and has done some freelance writing for various platforms. Fresh has been community-oriented by speaking to the youth at various schools, as well as working with Boys and Girls Club of the Austin Area. In 2020, Fresh was a recipient of the Capitol View Arts, “Growing the Tradition” award for his continued work in the Austin music community.
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